Unfortunately, there are far too many people in this world who get melanoma. Your elderly loved one might be one of them. If this is the case, you might have numerous questions that you want to have answered regarding melanoma. Today, you will read about some of the most common questions and answers related to melanoma concerns. Hopefully, this information can give you some guidance on this type of cancer.
Is Melanoma Common?
Senior Care Ontario, CA: Melanoma Concerns
Around 20% of Americans will have some type of skin cancer before they are 70 years old. One of the most fatal skin cancers out there is melanoma. However, it is also one of the least common types of cancer. With that being said, the majority of those who get melanoma, are white men.
Is This Type of Cancer Hereditary?
No and yes. Most melanoma cases are related to exposure to UV rays. They are not related to genetics. With this being noted, about 1 in every 12 people who get this type of cancer, will have a relative who has also had melanoma. There are some genes that are carried through genetics – CDKN2A and CD4K. If someone has these genes, they will likely get melanoma at some point in their life.
What Are the Most Common Places for Melanoma?
Most men who get melanoma have it on their torso, neck, head, and/or back. Most women who get melanoma have it on their legs or arms. However, melanoma can be found on the pigment of the eyes, too.
Does This Type of Cancer Cause Someone to Itch?
Every cancer and every melanoma will create different symptoms. If your elderly loved one has melanoma, it could cause them to have an itchy feeling on their skin. It could also cause redness, swilling, tenderness, and/or pain. With this being said, itchiness isn’t always present in all melanomas.
Will Melanoma Be Raised?
There some moles that are flat and others that are raised. This is the same with melanomas. Some of them are entirely flat and others are raised. If your elderly loved one has a suspicious mole, they should get it checked out as soon as possible.
Will Melanoma Spread Quickly?
It is important to know that invasive melanomas can spread quickly. However, other types of melanomas will spread more slowly. There are also genetic factors that can influence how fast this type of cancer can spread.
Can Melanoma Be Prevented?
Most cases of melanoma are directly related to radiation from UV rays. If your elderly loved one wears sunscreen and protective clothing, this could help to protect their skin from these rays. If that is done, it could potentially prevent them from getting melanoma.
These are some of the most common questions related to melanoma. If you think your elderly loved one has melanoma or they have already been diagnosed, be sure they get the proper treatment right away. If you need to hire a senior care provider to ensure your elderly loved one gets to their doctor’s appointment for an assessment, be sure to do so.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Care in Ontario, CA please contact the caring staff at Motherly Comfort Home Care, LLC today at (909) 610-3222.
Sources
https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/about-melanoma/melanoma-stats-facts-and-figures/